Bath Rugby"s George Ford faces big task to dislodge England fly-half Owen Farrell

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George Ford is under no illusions of the task ahead of him if he is to force his way into England’s starting XV for the Six Nations.

Bath Rugby fly-half Ford was last week promoted to the England EPS squad by head coach Stuart Lancaster ahead of the championship.

The 20-year-old replaces former Leicester Tigers colleague Toby Flood, whose omission comes ahead of his expected departure to Toulouse this summer.

Saracens’ Owen Farrell has occupied the England number ten jersey for the past two years and Ford admits he faces a big challenge to dislodge the British Irish Lion.

“All Stuart has said to me was congratulations on making the squad and that he is looking forward to me getting in camp and throwing my hat in the ring for selection,” said Ford.

“But I am under no illusions. Owen has done a fantastic job playing for England and playing for the Lions, and has continued his form for Saracens this year.

“I fully expect him to start. All I can do is go there, train as well I can and see where that takes me.”

Ford’s call-up comes seven months after he chose to leave Premiership champions Leicester and head for The Rec. However, he denied it gave any more justification to his decision to quit Welford Road.

“The main reason I came here was to try to gain more game time,” said Ford.

“I’ve loved my time here and just love playing for Bath. I wouldn’t say that because I’ve been put in the EPS squad now I feel any better about it.”

Ford will meet up with his new international colleagues for the first time on Monday at England’s Pennyhill Park training base as they begin their preparations for the championship, which gets under way on Saturday, February 1.

“I’m massively excited to get down there,” said Ford.

“From what people tell me, the intensity and the step-up is massive. I’ve just got to expect the unexpected and try to learn as much as I can so I am ready if I am given an opportunity.”

Ford joins Bath lock Dave Attwood, centre Kyle Eastmond and prop Davey Wilson in the EPS squad.

Full-back Anthony Watson is one of eight other players promoted to England’s 35-man Six Nations squad to cover for injuries. Hooker Rob Webber will also train with the senior squad.

Ford says Bath’s increased recognition in the Red Rose camp is down to the performances of everyone at the club.

“I’m over the moon and it’s a great feeling to be in the squad but I can’t pay enough tribute to the lads here,” said Ford.

“Because we are near the top of the league and doing well in all competitions, there are loads of lads putting their hands up.”

Article source: http://www.supersport.com/rugby/six-nations/news/140115/Fife_Fusaro_get_Scotland_nod

Bath Rugby"s George Ford faces big task to dislodge England fly-half Owen Farrell